About the song
Emerging from the vibrant folk music scene of the 1960s, The Seekers’ “The Water Is Wide” stands as a timeless ballad, captivating audiences worldwide with its poignant lyrics and hauntingly beautiful melody. The song’s enduring popularity stems from its profound exploration of love, loss, and the vastness of human emotions.
Background and Inspiration
The song’s origins can be traced back to a traditional English folk ballad, dating back to the 16th century. The lyrics, with their themes of love, separation, and the challenges of crossing wide waters, have resonated through the ages, inspiring numerous adaptations and interpretations. In 1964, Australian songwriter Bruce Woodley adapted the ballad for The Seekers, an Australian vocal group, infusing it with a contemporary folk sensibility.
Musical Style and Arrangement
“The Water Is Wide” exudes a melancholic folk charm, characterized by its harmonious blend of acoustic instruments and The Seekers’ signature vocal blend. The melody, based on the traditional folk tune, is simple yet evocative, perfectly complementing the song’s themes of love, loss, and longing. The arrangement features a prominent acoustic guitar strumming pattern, providing a somber backdrop for the group’s heartfelt vocals.
Lyrical Analysis and Meaning
The lyrics of “The Water Is Wide” paint a vivid picture of a love story marred by separation and longing. The opening lines, “Oh, the water is wide, the land is dry,” immediately establish the geographical and emotional distance between the lovers. The verses that follow delve into the depths of their longing, expressing the pain of separation and the yearning for reunion.
The song’s chorus, with its repetitive refrain of “But I would swim over the water wide for to see my love,” serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the lengths to which one would go to be reunited with their beloved. The lyrics emphasize the vastness of the water as a metaphor for the obstacles and challenges that love can face, yet they also convey the unwavering determination of the lover to overcome any barrier.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
“The Water Is Wide” has become a beloved folk ballad, resonating with audiences worldwide for its timeless themes of love, loss, and the human spirit’s ability to endure. Its enduring popularity is evident in its numerous covers by artists across various genres, including Joan Baez, Cher, and Peter, Paul & Mary. The song has also been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
In conclusion, The Seekers’ “The Water Is Wide” stands as a timeless ballad, capturing the universal human experiences of love, loss, and the yearning for connection. Its poignant lyrics, hauntingly beautiful melody, and heartfelt vocals have made it an enduring favorite, continuing to touch hearts and stir emotions across generations.
Video
Lyrics
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The water is wide, I can’t cross o’erNor do I have light wings to flyBuild me a boat that can carry twoAnd both shall row my love and IA ship there is, and sails the seaShe’s loaded deep as deep can beBut not so deep as the love I’m inAnd I know not how I sink or swimWhen love is young, and love is fineIt’s like a gen, when first it’s newBut love grows old and waxes coldAnd fades away like the morning dewThe water is wide, I can’t cross o’erNor do I have light wings to flyBuild me a boat that can carry twoAnd both shall row my love and I